Open Enrollment in state Health Insurance Market place starts Nov. 1

LINCOLN, Neb. — After a record-breaking open enrollment period last year, Nebraskans will again have the chance to find affordable health coverage during the upcoming 2018-19 HealthCare.Gov open enrollment period running from November 1 through Dec. 15.

More than 88,000 Nebraskans found affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the 2017-18 open enrollment period, with 90 percent of customers last period receiving tax credits to make their plans more affordable. Our state was a national coverage success story, ranking sixth in the nation in enrollment growth from the previous year.

This enrollment period, Nebraskans should be aware of some changes, but still can take advantage of free, local assistance in comparing and selecting insurance plans that fit their family’s needs and budget.

The statewide assisters and Enroll Nebraska are again available for free, in person consultations to help find health coverage. Use this online map to locate an assister organization in your community and take advantage of the free 2-1-1 referral service operated by United Way of the Midlands to be directed to local assisters.

Customers also can compare and purchase insurance plans online at Healthcare.Gov or by calling the Marketplace toll-free at 1-800-318-2596. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the online Marketplace would be shut down on some Sunday mornings during the Open Enrollment period, but customers can use the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Affordable health insurance is something every Nebraskan need, and assisters across the state are ready to work hard to help the people in their communities find a plan that fits their needs and budget,” said Eric Savaiano, statewide coordinator of Enroll Nebraska. “With only 90 days to enroll, we encourage everyone to get started now in preparing to look through their options at HealthCare.gov, compare plans, and seek out the local assisters who are eager to help answer their questions.”

What you’ll need:

Nebraskans can start preparing for the start of the open enrollment period by gather mg some important information for yourself and other members of your household, such as:

• Social Security numbers

• Copies of Legal Resident documents

• W-2 forms, work pay stubs, and/or a tax return from the previous year

• Your personal email address and login to create an online Health Insurance Marketplace account

• If you already have a Marketplace account, your username and password • Social Security income statement

• Statements on student loans or alimony payments, if applicable Enroll Nebraska is a coalition of community organizations, enrollment assisters, health care providers and advocacy groups that share a mission to connect more Nebraskans to health insurance.